I Rejected Being The Investor's Mistress

Owen Morgan's voice on the phone was as sure and arrogant as ever. "St. Mary's Hospital, inpatient unit. Evelyn, I'm waiting for you."

Evelyn Howard tightened her grip on the phone, her voice strained. "I'm not coming."

There was a pause on the other end, followed by a soft chuckle. "Oh really? Are you done worrying about your sister? Evelyn, I don't have time for games. You'll come whether you like it or not. Otherwise..."

His voice lowered, carrying a clear threat. "Your sister in the ICU can forget about getting any more medical care."

Evelyn's heart clenched tightly. Her sister—her one vulnerability. Images of her sister's pale face in the hospital room and the mounting medical bills filled her mind. Evelyn's slender frame trembled slightly until suddenly, a comforting hand rested on her shoulder from behind.

"Are you okay?" a deep voice asked, full of reassuring warmth.

Evelyn looked up into Everett Scott's eyes. There was no curiosity, no pity—just calm concern. In that instant, her racing heart settled.

Taking a deep breath, Evelyn's voice steadied. She spoke clearly, "Owen Morgan, I'm married!"

Silence followed before Owen spoke again, disbelief evident in his voice. "Married? To whom?"

He couldn't believe anyone in Manchester would dare marry the woman he was after.

"It's none of your business. Just know that you should stop bothering me."

With that, Evelyn hung up and immediately blocked Owen's number.

On the way back, Evelyn occasionally glanced at Everett Scott beside her, pondering how to bring up her sister's situation. Just then, Everett received a call.

"Are they here?" His voice was deep, unemotional. After a brief exchange, he hung up.

Noticing Everett's gaze on her, Evelyn asked softly, "What's going on?"

"A relative has come from London. I've planned dinner to welcome them. Would you like to join me?" Everett proposed.

Evelyn pressed her lips together nervously. Were they already meeting family so soon after tying the knot?

Sensing her hesitation, Everett said kindly, "It's okay if you're not ready yet."

Meeting Everett's gaze, Evelyn took a deep breath. "I'll go with you." After all, she had already married Everett, and meeting his family was inevitable. Besides, she needed his help regarding her sister's situation. Perhaps after meeting his family, she'd find a chance to discuss it.

As the car drove through the city, neon lights bathed her delicate profile in silence.

They arrived at the familiar restaurant. Upon entering the private room, Evelyn saw an elderly man with gray hair but bright eyes. She realized she wasn't as composed as she thought.

She had little experience dealing with elders. What if Everett's family didn't accept her?

Seeing her anxiety, Everett gently squeezed her hand and warmly greeted the elder. "Grandpa Romero, it's been a long time."

He shook their clasped hands slightly and introduced her, "This is my wife, Evelyn Howard."

"Honey, this is Grandpa Romero, a close friend of my grandfather."

The warmth of Everett's hand instantly calmed Evelyn's racing heart. Blushing, she greeted, "Hello, Grandpa Romero."

Jensen Romero eyed Evelyn discerningly, then nodded approvingly. "Hello, Evelyn. Please, take a seat."

No sooner had Evelyn settled into her seat than Jensen mildly admonished Everett, "You rascal, you didn't even tell us about getting hitched."

Evelyn thought he was displeased with her, and she stiffened. But Jensen laughed heartily. "I bet old Scott doesn't know yet, does he? Am I the first to hear this great news?"

Everett was relaxed around Jensen but showed clear respect. Sitting beside Evelyn, he nodded lightly. "Yes, we just got our license and haven't told the family yet."

Jensen gave Everett a satisfied pat on the shoulder. "Good job, you picked a lovely wife."

"Just last week, fishing with your grandfather, he was worried that with your attitude, you'd end up on your own forever. Little did he know you'd head to Manchester and secretly tie the knot."

"When will you inform the family? Ideally, head back to London and throw a big party. Give your grandparents something to celebrate."

Hearing this, Evelyn tensed again. The insecurity she had pushed aside rushed back. How could she, an ordinary woman, marry someone like Everett from a distinguished London family?

Sensing her unease, Everett gestured for the dishes to be served, steering the conversation elsewhere. "There's no hurry, Grandpa Romero. Tonight is about you."

Jensen chuckled, raising his coffee cup. "Alright, alright. I know you're on top of things. No more questions."

"Evelyn," Jensen turned his warm smile to her, "I didn't know you were married when I came, so I didn't bring a gift. Here's a card with some money. Treat yourself."

With that, Jensen placed a black card on the table and nudged it toward her.

Evelyn's eyes widened. Was this one of those limitless black cards you read about in romance novels? Who accepts such an extravagant gift upon first meeting?

She hurriedly declined, "Oh, no, no, Grandpa Romero, I couldn't."

Jensen feigned sternness, "It's just a token. If you don't accept it, you're offending me!"

Afraid of upsetting him, Evelyn glanced at Everett for help. Seeing her pleading, watery eyes, his heart softened, and he gently ruffled her hair. "Take it. Grandpa Romero's not short on cash. No worries."

Evelyn hesitated, "But..."

Jensen's face turned mock-stern. "If you keep refusing, I'll really get grumpy."

With no choice, Evelyn took the card, "Then I'll accept it, thank you, Grandpa Romero." She decided to return it to Everett later, unwilling to use it.

During dinner, Jensen asked about Evelyn's work. Learning she was a teacher, and Clover Scott's teacher no less, he nodded with satisfaction and playfully challenged her to guess his profession.

There was no way Evelyn could know, so she discreetly squeezed Everett's hand under the table.

Everett raised an eyebrow, his tone nonchalant. "Grandpa Romero is a specialist in neurology."

Neurology. Evelyn's eyes widened in disbelief. Could he really be Jensen Romero, the professor?